Conservation Futures

Conservation Futures Program


The Spokane County Conservation Futures Program was conceived in 1994 with the voters approval of an advisory ballot measure authorizing a property tax levy of (up-to) 6.25-cents per $1,000 assessed property value, in order to acquire and preserve Spokane County's open space, streams, rivers, and other natural resources. What does this mean? For a home assessed at $250,000 using current Conservation Futures Levy Rate of 3.6 cent per $1,000 assessed value, up to $9 per year is assessed and dedicated to the Conservation Futures Fund to preserve and enhance Spokane County's quality of life. 

As of June 2022,  the Conservation Futures Program has acquired over 9,377 acres owned and managed by Spokane County, City of Spokane, and City of Cheney. To learn more about each acquisition since 1994, check out the Conservation Futures Acquisition History.

2021 Nomination Round 

On December 7th, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners approved the 2021 Prioritized Acquisition List ("List") to guide future expenditure of Conservation Futures acquisition funds through March 2027. The List will be updated continuously as properties are successfully acquired and preserved or if owners decide to withdraw their property from the List. The most current Prioritized Acquisition List can be found here. 

2021 Open Nomination Round Materials

Maintenance & Operations


Of the total levy revenue generated annually, 25% is dedicated toward maintaining, protecting and enhancing these properties in perpetuity. This translates into improved public access, signage, noxious weed control, and other activities that protect and enhance the public's investment.

Questions? Contact: Paul Knowles, Parks Special Projects Manager at (509) 477-2188 or pknowles@spokanecounty.org.